Arsene Wenger has called on his players to return from international duty focused and prepared to “reconnect quickly” when they play neighbours Watford on Saturday afternoon.
Before 14 members of the Arsenal squad joined up with their respective national sides, the Gunners put in their most convincing performance of season to beat Manchester United 3-0.
Although delighted with the win, Wenger stressed they will be coming up against a resolute Watford team that will be difficult to break down.
We separated on a positive vibe. After, the task is to reconnect quickly because everybody goes to their national teams and has different worries. The target now is to refocus on what we want to achieve.
We play against Watford who have conceded only one goal at home and defend very well. They are a very difficult team to play against so we have to focus to get a positive result on Saturday.
Of the 14 players to play for their countries, seven were on the score sheet.
Wenger knows what it will take to be champions in May and is demanding his players keep up that level of performance.
The level of champions and people who want to fight at the top is urgency. Urgency is something that keeps you alert and we know what will be expected of us.
We have to be conscious that it will be a different game but the level of urgency is a big part of success and that is what we work on.
In the opposition dugout this weekend will be Quique Sanchez Flores and Wenger has been impressed with the former Getafe manager’s start to life as a Premier League manager.
He has done extremely well. I have met him [before]. He has adapted very quickly.
